It's now well over a month since Pauline and I set off for a long weekend exploring the churches around the Hokianga Harbour on the West side of Northland. I've already posted about the Church at Pakaraka. Now for the second one. The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption at Motukaraka.Opened on 3 April 1910, with festivities attracting more than 2000 people, the church was entirely funded by the local Maori community after taking nearly 3 years to build. It is constructed of kauri much of which came from the hapu lands at Tapuwae where kauri stands had survived the extensive logging in the region.
The painting over the alter is a copy of the Assumption of Our Lady by the Spanish painter Murillo which had previously hung in the Native School having been brought out to New Zealand by a Motukaraka schoolmaster.
The church is on land owned by local Maori, The Ngai Tupoto ki Motukaraka, (the Ngai Tupoto hapu is part of the iwi of Te Rarawa) who have maintained the church since it was built.
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Hello Graham:
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful church and its setting is absolutely exquisite. How extraordinary that it should have the painting by Murillo hanging above the altar, but it looks very fine there, especially set against the glorious deep red of the interior.
A really beautiful church and it seems to be kept in such good condition. I love the angle in which you shot the tower, and also your use of the memorial as frame for the landscapes. Excellent photos!
ReplyDeleteSeeing the almost blinding white outside, I would have never expected it to look so warm inside.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful church in a lovely setting. The colour of the wood inside is stunning. Impressive without being over the top - lovely.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots through the War Memorial, GB.
ReplyDeleteYou got some great shots there, GB. I especially like the one of Rawene shot through the memorial. Wish we had asked Brother Whateverhisnamewas for a photo.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures GB!!
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI love the red church!